Watch above: After 200 days in an Egyptian jail, Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy wrote a defiant letter to the world. Sean Mallen reports.
It’s been 200 days since Al-Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed were first jailed. Now, the three face years in prison – convicted and sentenced on dubious grounds that caused worldwide outcry last month.
And while Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed regret over the internationally condemned sentencing, he’s said he has no intention to overturn it.
Fahmy is a Canadian citizen, and Ottawa’s come under fire for what many called a lukewarm response to his incarceration. Ottawa has said it’s “concerned” by the sentencing but can’t do much about it.
READ MORE: ‘Bullhorn’ diplomacy won’t free Canadian journalist in Egypt: Baird
In the year since Sisi ousted Egypt’s ex-President Mohammed Morsi, journalists have become the target of violence and arbitrary prosecution amid an increasing intolerance of dissent.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, many of members of the press in Egypt continue to be arrested, jailed, beaten and even killed for doing their job.
The following are just a few of them.
Canadian Mohamed Fahmy, Cairo bureau chief for Al-Jazeera English, Australian reporter Peter Greste and Egyptian Producer Baher Mohamed
The Al-Jazeera journalists were sentenced to seven, seven and 10 years, respectively, on terror-related charges June 23, 2014. Mohamed faced an additional three years because of ammunition (a spent bullet casing) found hear him.
The Al-Jazeera reporter was tried in absentia, sentenced to ten years in prison for falsifying news June, 23, 2014.
The Al-Jazeera reporter was tried in absentia, sentenced to ten years in prison for falsifying news June, 23, 2014.
The 22-year-old al-Dustour reporter was killed while reporting on clashes between Morsi and Sisi supporters in March, 2014.
The correspondent for U.S.-based Coptic channel Al-Tareq was arrested in December, 2013 while reporting on violence. His belongings were confiscated and he was accused of falsifying news. Hegazy’s case fell through but he continued to be harassed by officials and was reportedly sentenced to five years in prison.
The Dutch correspondent fled Egypt after her embassy discovered she had been listed among journalists wanted by police.
The Yemeni journalist was detained for about a month in February after taking photos of a Cairo book fair, accused of possessing recordings that went against the personal freedom of citizens and other rights.
The journalist for the independent newspaper El Badil was arrested in January, accused of “inciting riots, protesting and possessing a Molotov cocktail.” Released in March, he claimed to have been beaten, robbed and denied a lawyer during his detention.
The Guardian’s Egypt correspondent was detained multiple times, once for a citizen arrest.
The Brazilian freelance journalist was detained while covering unrest in Ramses Square.
Matt Bradley and Alastair Beach
The Wall Street Journal and Independent correspondents, respectively, had their belongings stolen and shortly after were detained.
The British journalist was beaten and detained for more than six hours before being released.
READ MORE: Egypt president refuses pardon for 3 journalists
The following journalists have been killed in Egypt while doing their job:
Tamer Abdel Raouf, Al-Ahram
Soldiers opened fire on the journalists vehicle August 19, 2013, in Damanhur, Egypt
Mosaab al-Shami, Rassd News Network
Shot in the chest by a sniper August 14, 2013, in Cairo, Egypt
Ahmed Abdel Gawad, Al-Akhbar, Misr25
Was shot while covering a raid August 14, 2013, in Cairo, Egypt
Mick Deane, Sky News
Was shot while covering a demonstration August 14, 2013, in Cairo, Egypt
Ahmed Assem el-Senousy, Freedom and Justice
Shot while photographing security forces July 8, 2013, in Cairo, Egypt
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